Juwan Staten – back in Korisliiga!

Fans of Korisliiga should be happy to have a player like Juwan Staten returning to Finland for a second season, after all – in his first season he was the MVP (Import) in the Korisliiga, as he had a stand-out season with Vilpas Vikings.

Staten credits starting to play basketball to his father, who was a basketball coach, so that is where his time and career with basketball started. Hoops wasn’t the only sport Juwan was interested in, he was also playing football and says that he probably at least at the time would rate himself as a better football player – than basketball player. But with the risks of getting injured in football, his choice was to pursue a career in basketball. And those who have seen him play… might be thankful that he did.

As with most players from US, he went through the college and high school route, playing High School ball at Thurgood Marshall and Oak Hill Academy. And College ball at Dayton and West Virginia. With the silly (in my view) rules of college ball, he had to sit out one year after a transfer from Dayton to West Virginia His Junior year seems to be one that has gotten thefts and media to notice him, as the was topping the stats on the lines one expects from a point guard. And despite not being the tallest guy on the court, he was a really effective rebounder as well – and those who have seen him play.. they can attest to the fact that the man can jump!

As many college players do, after finishing college it is the NBA Draft, and few make it.. and many go other ways to continue their career. Staten went through signing with Golden State Warriors, and appeared in a preseason game for them. Then waived and played in D-League for Santa Cruz Warriors, with very decent stats and minutes. Another trade.. and maybe not what was needed at the time… Staten packed his bags and decided to ply his trade in Europe. 

First season on the continent started in Belgium, where he signed and played for Mons-Hainault. Before then making his first appearance in Korisliiga with Vilpas – with great impact. Then last year he spent in the Pro-B league in France… and now, we have him back in Korisliiga with Seagulls. And last night was his first game, and it definitely is the same Juwan Staten we saw here with Vilpas. 

Staten credits his pace, lateral movement, etc – to the fact he played so much football earlier on in his life. A game where these movement are even more important in some ways than in basketball.

During one memorable moment – Staten (who had played his heart out in Division II Final for Thurgood Marshall, he was left in tears after they lost.. and a picture of him being concealed court side my (then) Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James. This moment is something that people still talk to Juwan about – and he remembers it well. He once said “How could you forget it, That’s LeBron James.He’s a living legend..”

Outside basketball, Staten tells me that as a pro baller – life revolves around training, sleeping, playing and eating. And naturally keeping in touch via FaceTime with his family back in the US.

From my own part, I love to see players like Juwan Staten, Christopher Ortiz, Rene Rougeau, Kenneth Manigault, Daniel Mullings, Bojan Sarcevic… staying in the Finnish Korisliiga for more than a single season. It gives the fans time to form relationships and get to know the players in the squad – and not just have them here for a season.. and then gone.

Staten sounds (and I’ve managed to talk to him during his Vilpas days, and now again) like likeable young man. Someone who appreciated the opportunity to play the game he loves, and he is always ready to chat to the press or fans. And he remembers his time in Salo with fondness – and when Seagulls travel to play Vilpas in Salo on 21st of December – just before the Xmas break. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Juwan spending on an extra day or two around Salo. He already mentions that going back there to play will be special, to see the coach, some of the same players.. and Teiju … or “Big Mama” as Juwan says. It is lovely to see that the import players can make such a connection to places they play/live here.

Here’s to hoping we will see Juwan Staten staying in Finland for years to come, and build himself a legacy over here. I am sure the team and fans would be thrilled to see Juwan playing his game here for the next 10 years!

Great to have you back in Korisliiga Juwan!!